Neuropeptides in sensory structures of nematodes.

Abstract

The peptidergic innervation of sensory structures in two species of nematodes, Ascaris suum (order Ascaridida, family Ascarididae) and Cystidicola farionis (order Spirurida, family Cystidicolidae) was studied. Immunocytochemical methods were used for localization of FMRF-amide-like neuropeptides in the nervous system. Immunoreactivity to FMRF-amide, RF-amide and SALMF-amide was detected in the central nervous system of the species studied, and also in the cephalic papillary nerves, in axons of the amphids and the deirids, and in nerves innervating caudal papillae.